SENATE PASSES PAY EQUITY LEGISLATION

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.7521) sponsored by Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I-WF, Rochester), Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, that would address the issue of pay equity in New York State. The proposal specifically calls on the Department of Labor to issue a report on wage differential and increases penalties on employers who practice wage discrimination to hold them accountable.

"As Labor Chair, I am committed to focus on the many issues facing New Yorkers, such as creating careers and job opportunities and providing a good, equitable wage to all residents," said Senator Robach. "With this said, I am proud to sponsor legislation that will help adequately address the issue of pay equity in our State. The legislation passed today will not only increase fines for employers not paying fair wages but will also initiate a study and review to expose those who violate employee discrimination."

The legislation would require the Commissioner of Labor to commission a study to the State Legislature on the causes of wage differential between men and women and minorities and non-minorities by May 1, 2009. The study will analyze laws and policies in other states that deal with wage differential and wage discrimination and provide legislative and policy recommendations regarding wage differential sanctions and penalties.

Additionally, the legislation will increase civil penalties for employers who practice wage discrimination from $500 to $1,000 and also increase criminal penalties from between $500 to not more than $20,000 to $1,000 to not more than $25,000, with a subsequent violation occurring within five years, instead of the current six years, considered a felony offense.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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